What is Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design?

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a multi-pronged community planning philosophy that focuses on the intentional design of the physical and social environment with the goal of preventing crime, reducing fear, and improving the quality of life for community members.  The core concepts are based on the power of observation, influencing access and movement, encouraging the intended use of space, and proper maintenance.   CPTED has been successfully used by public safety organizations, city planners, schools, businesses. and many other property owners, to discourage criminal behavior and revitalize communities.  

The Four Basic Principles of CPTED include:

• Natural Surveillance:  Maximizing visibility of an area as a deterrent.
• Natural Access Control:  Guiding access and movement within an area.
• Territorial Reinforcement:  Defining boundaries and ownership of an area.
• Maintenance:  Ensures land and facilities can be used as intended.